EALING councillors have taken the first steps towards transforming the aging Acton Town Hall complex into 'modern 21st century facilities'.
The project will see the upgrade and modernisation of the Town Hall complex, providing new swimming pools, a library, leisure facilities and community spaces.
The council aims to provide up-to-date facilities which 'meet the needs of residents while retaining the best of the site’s heritage features' and work could start as early 2013.
Following a decision by Ealing Council's Labour cabinet, officers will start preparing detailed planning and design guidance for companies interested in developing the site and managing the new facilities.
Results from previous public consultations and the work of the Acton Town Hall Team – the group of local residents set up to advise on the project – will be incorporated into the guidance.
Many of the buildings are nearly 100 years old and require significant and costly repairs to be carried out imminently. In order to make sure that the public can continue to use the facilities in the short term, the council will also be carrying out urgent repair works on the baths, town hall, King's Rooms and the library. This work is due to begin in October and will be carried out separately to the long-term regeneration plans.
The management of the baths will also be transferred from Greenwich Leisure Limited to the council.
Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council, said: "I'm delighted that work is starting on revitalising this iconic building. Local people have told us how important Acton Town Hall is to them and this substantial investment will mean that residents will be able to enjoy much improved and modernised facilities for years to come.
"We will continue to ask for input from the community as the project progresses through a series of public consultations and events.”
The decision was taken at a meeting of the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday, 20 July 2010. All Cabinet decisions are subject to call in for a period of five working days from the date of publication of the minutes of the meeting.
